Montenegro: 15 Best Places for Your Holiday

I’ve traveled through Montenegro once by bike and once with a rooftop tent, and I swear I’d go back again in a heartbeat. In this guide I will share with you Montenegro: 15 Best Places for Your Holiday. In fact, it surprises me that while everyone today heads to Croatia or discovers the rugged beauty of Albania, they overlook Montenegro for some reason. And that’s a huge shame! This Balkan gem truly has it all – friendly locals, beautiful beaches with turquoise water, and majestic mountains full of unexpected surprises.

TL;DR

• Montenegro has it all: beautiful coastlines (Budva, Kotor, Ulcinj) and impressive mountains (Durmitor, Lovćen, Prokletije), all at affordable prices.
• If you want to go sightseeing, avoid summer and try June or September.
• You can reach Montenegro from the Czech Republic by car in approximately 14–16 hours, or by plane to Podgorica or Tivat.
• Montenegro uses the euro, but prices are lower than in Western Europe – a quality apartment can be found from €50/night, and lunch for €5-10.
• I especially recommend visiting Kotor Bay, Budva, Ostrog Monastery, Durmitor National Park, and Lake Skadar.

What to Watch out for when Vacationing in Montenegro?

• Montenegro is not in the EU, so shared data from your mobile plan does not apply there, and you would have to pay for roaming to have internet on your phone. However, roaming is usually terribly expensive, so it’s better to buy a local SIM card or get an e-SIM.
• Although Montenegro is not in the EU, euros are used here.
• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid here, so don’t forget travel insurance.
• An ID card is sufficient for entry (no passport needed).

Where to Stay?

By the sea:

• Budva and surroundings: The most popular resort, where Vidikovac Budva offers great accommodation.
• Petrovac: A quieter resort suitable for families with children, Hotel AQUILO is a great accommodation option.
• Kotor: Ideal for history and culture lovers.
• Ulcinj: A wonderful place for families with children, beaches with very fine sand, we recommend accommodation at Casa Al Mare
• Perast: A tip for beautiful accommodation Heritage Grand Perast By Rixos

In the mountains:

• Žabljak (Durmitor): A base for hikes in Durmitor National Park. Absolutely great accommodation is Apartmani Gala Žabljak.
• Kolašin: A starting point for visiting Biogradska Gora National Park; if you’re looking for luxury accommodation, try Wulfenia Hotel & Spa.
• Plav and Gusinje: Gateways to the wild Prokletije Mountains, stay for example at Salerno camp.

Why Choose Montenegro for a Seaside Vacation?

You might be asking: why Montenegro? It’s such a small country, only slightly larger than the Central Bohemian Region! But that’s precisely its charm.. Within an area of just 13,812 km², you’ll find everything most travelers desire.

This Balkan gem boasts 293 kilometers of coastline with crystal-clear waters, majestic mountains featuring some of Europe’s deepest canyons, and historic towns that rival those in Croatia. And thanks to the country’s compact size, you can visit all of this during one vacation! In the morning, you can swim in the sea, and by afternoon, you can admire views from mountain peaks. Larger countries simply can’t offer such luxury.

Just a few kilometers from the coast, and suddenly you’re in another world – villages where time has stood still, old women in black sitting on porches, goats grazing on hillsides. That’s the real, unadulterated Montenegro.

When to Go to Montenegro?

When to visit Montenegro? That depends on what you plan to do. For swimming, the ideal period is from June to September. In July and August, air temperatures are around 30°C (but can reach 40°C), and the sea is a pleasant 25°C, but you must expect crowds of tourists and higher prices.

Personally, I would recommend May, June, or September – in these months, the weather is still very pleasant (20-25°C), but there are significantly fewer tourists and lower prices.

Montenegro: 15 Best Places for Your Holiday

Lukáš and I have traveled through Montenegro twice, and I absolutely love it. I recommend going for at least a week, but ideally 10–14 days. Below you’ll find my tips on everything you can see and where to go for a holiday in Montenegro.

1. Budva and Surroundings

Budva is the tourist heart of Montenegro and undoubtedly the most famous resort in the country. You’ll find long sandy beaches, a beautiful historic center, and it’s quite lively with plenty of restaurants and bars.

The most popular is Slovenska plaža – a 1.7-kilometer long beach with fine sand, a gentle entry into the sea, and numerous bars and restaurants. If you’re looking for something quieter, head to Mogren beach, located near the Old Town.

When we cycled through Budva, I couldn’t get enough of the view of the old town surrounded by the sea. It resembles a small Dubrovnik, but without the crowds of tourists. Narrow stone streets, romantic squares, and sea views – an ideal place for an evening stroll with ice cream in hand.

Tip for beautiful accommodation: Vidikovac Budva

2. Sveti Stefan

About ten kilometers southeast of Budva lies one of the most photogenic places in Montenegro – the island of Sveti Stefan. This former fishing village has been transformed into a luxury resort, which is unfortunately inaccessible to the public (unless you are a guest of the Aman hotel). But the view of the small island covered with red-roofed houses and connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway is worth it even from afar.

Around Sveti Stefan, you’ll find beautiful beaches – especially Kraljeva plaža (King’s Beach) and Miločer beach. Both are partially publicly accessible and have beautiful pink sand and crystal-clear water.

Accommodation tip: Hotel & Spa Tino Sveti Stefan

3. Ulcinj and Velika Plaža

In the very south of Montenegro, near the Albanian border, lies Ulcinj – a city with a distinct oriental atmosphere. The main attraction, however, is Velika Plaža (Great Beach) – a 13-kilometer long strip of fine sand.

Velika Plaža is perfect for families with children due to its shallow entry into the sea. The area around the beach is not overcrowded with hotels, so you can enjoy swimming in a relatively natural environment.

When we camped here, we were thrilled by how few tourists there were, even in high season.

Accommodation tip: Casa Al Mare

4. Bay of Kotor and Perast

The Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) is the southernmost fjord in Europe and one of the most beautiful places on the Adriatic. Although you won’t find large sandy beaches here, it’s a place that will charm you with its beauty and atmosphere.

The town of Perast is like something out of a fairy tale – Baroque palaces, small streets, and two picturesque islets in the middle of the bay: the natural Sveti Đorđe and the artificial Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks). You can take a boat to the latter and explore the church with beautiful frescoes.

In Perast and its surroundings, you’ll find small pebble beaches, often with their own pier and bar. For example, Bajova kula near Perast is a gravel beach in a pine grove with sun loungers and refreshments. My personal discovery is Orahovac beach – a small bay with crystal-clear water and minimal tourists.

Tip for a beautiful hotel: Heritage Grand Perast By Rixos

5. Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is the gateway to the Bay of Kotor and has a unique Mediterranean resort atmosphere. The city is built on a slope, so wherever you go, you’re either climbing or descending, but the reward is breathtaking views of the bay.

The beaches in Herceg Novi are mostly pebble, but the water is crystal clear. The most popular are Savina beach and Žanjic Beach on the Luštica peninsula. If you’re looking for something quieter, try Žanjice or Rose beach.

6. Durmitor National Park

If you love mountains, Durmitor will captivate you. This UNESCO-listed national park is home to 48 peaks higher than 2000 meters, including Montenegro’s highest mountain – Bobotov Kuk (2523 m).

The heart of the park is the town of Žabljak, located at an altitude of 1450 meters and serving as an ideal starting point for hikes. The easiest trip, suitable for everyone, is the circuit around Black Lake (Crno jezero) – in less than two hours, you can walk around this majestic glacial lake surrounded by dense forests.

For more experienced hikers, I recommend climbing Bobotov Kuk or visiting one of the 18 glacial lakes. The Ćurevac viewpoint is also worth a visit, offering a breathtaking view of the Tara River Canyon – the second deepest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon.

Accommodation tip in Žabljak: Apartmani Gala Žabljak.

7. Tara River Canyon and Đurđevića Tara Bridge

The Tara River Canyon is one of the deepest in Europe (up to 1300 meters in places) and offers breathtaking scenery. The best way to experience it is by rafting – an adrenaline-pumping ride through rapids and calmer sections where you can enjoy the beauty of untouched nature.

The symbol of the canyon is Đurđevića Tara Bridge – a 365-meter long arch bridge that spans 172 meters above the river’s surface. For the brave, there’s the option to zip-line across the canyon, an unforgettable experience.

8. Lovćen National Park and Njegoš Mausoleum

Mount Lovćen is considered a symbol of Montenegrin independence and offers incredible views of both the coast and the interior.. At the summit is the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, the national poet and ruler of Montenegro.

The path to the mausoleum involves 461 steps through a tunnel, but the reward is one of the most beautiful views in Montenegro – on a clear day, you can see up to 70% of the country’s territory.

The journey to Lovćen itself is an experience – the serpentines with 25 sharp turns from the city of Kotor provide breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor.

For accommodation, we recommend Hotel Monte Rosa

9. Biogradska Gora National Park

Biogradska Gora is one of the last primeval forests in Europe and the oldest protected area in Montenegro (since 1878). The heart of the park is Biogradsko Lake, surrounded by ancient beeches, firs, and spruces, some of which are up to 500 years old.

An easy trail runs around the lake, suitable for children or less fit tourists. For the more active, there are more challenging routes leading deep into the primeval forest or to mountain meadows with views of the surrounding mountains.

Accommodation tip: Wulfenia Hotel & Spa

10. Prokletije – the Accursed Mountains

Prokletije (translated as “Accursed Mountains”) are the wildest mountain range in Montenegro and the last true wilderness in Europe. Sharp peaks, deep valleys, and glacial lakes form a landscape reminiscent of the Alps, but without the crowds of tourists.

The highest peak is Zla Kolata (2534 m), but even less demanding hikes offer unforgettable views. The towns of Plav and Gusinje serve as bases for trips into Prokletije, where you can taste authentic Montenegrin cuisine and experience traditional hospitality.

Accommodation tip: Salerno camp

11. Kotor

The ancient city of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a pearl of the Adriatic coast. Medieval walls, narrow stone streets, and squares with cafes create an irresistible atmosphere.

The city’s symbol is its walls, which climb up the steep slope to San Giovanni fortress. The climb is challenging (1350 steps), but the view of the bay is worth every drop of sweat. I recommend going early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds of tourists.

Inside the walls, you’ll find the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Tryphon, St. Luke’s Church, and a number of palaces and squares. Kotor isn’t just about monuments – the atmosphere of its narrow streets, where the scent of coffee blends with the sea air, is an experience in itself.

Accommodation tip: Kotor Nest

12. Ostrog Monastery

Ostrog Monastery, built into an almost vertical rock face 900 meters above the valley, is the most important pilgrimage site in Montenegro. It was founded in the 17th century by Saint Basil of Ostrog, whose relics are preserved here.

The monastery consists of an upper and lower monastery. The upper one is built directly into the rock and contains two cave chapels with frescoes. The drive to the parking lot below the monastery is an experience in itself – a narrow road winds up a steep slope with sharp turns.

Even though I’m not religious, the atmosphere of this place deeply impressed me. Just be aware – in high season, hundreds of pilgrims come here, so be prepared for queues.

You’ll find perfect accommodation at Ostrog Wood House.

13. Cetinje

The historic capital of Montenegro (until 1918) is the cultural and spiritual center of the country. Although much smaller than the current capital Podgorica, it has an inimitable atmosphere and a number of interesting sights.

The most famous is Cetinje Monastery from the 15th century, which houses valuable relics including the hand of John the Baptist and parts of the True Cross. Also worth visiting are the former royal palace, now the National Museum, and Biljarda – once the residence of the prince-bishop and poet Petar II Petrović Njegoš.

Cetinje lies at the foot of Lovćen and offers a pleasant climate even on hot summer days, making it an ideal stop on the way from the coast to the mountains.

14. Lake Skadar

The largest lake in the Balkans, located on the border with Albania, is a paradise for nature and bird lovers. The lake is home to over 270 bird species, including rare pelicans and eagles.

The best way to explore the lake is by boat. Small boats will take you among water lilies and reeds, where you can observe birds and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. Boat trips are organized from several places – the most famous is Virpazar, but I recommend the less touristy Rijeka Crnojevića.

Around the lake, you’ll find a number of small villages where you can taste local wine and fish prepared in traditional ways. Local specialties include eel and carp from Lake Skadar.

Accommodation tip: Apartments Vojislav

15. Stari Bar

Unlike the new Bar, which is a bustling port city, Stari Bar (Old Bar) is an abandoned city at the foot of Mount Rumija. After the earthquake in 1979, the city was largely abandoned and today forms a fascinating labyrinth of ruins.

A walk among the stone houses, churches, and palaces will transport you to another era. From the ramparts, there’s a beautiful view of new Bar and the sea. Old olive groves stretch around the town – some of the olive trees are said to be up to 2000 years old.

After exploring the ruins, you can have coffee or lunch at one of the restaurants below the ramparts, where they serve traditional dishes like pljeskavica, ćevapi, or local cheeses and cured meats.

How to get to Montenegro?

By car: From the Czech Republic to Montenegro, it’s approximately 1100 km, and the journey takes 14-16 hours of pure driving. The route goes through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia, or through Serbia. Expect highway tolls in transit countries and potential queues at borders, especially during the summer season.

By plane: You can fly to Podgorica or Tivat in Montenegro. Air Montenegro offers direct flights (1 hour 40 minutes) from Prague; alternatively, you can fly with a layover (for example, via Vienna with WizzAir), but that can easily take 5-6 hours.

What to Try in Montenegro?

To be honest, for us vegetarians, Montenegrin cuisine isn’t that interesting. It combines Mediterranean and Balkan elements, but it’s very meat-based, and in less touristy areas, it was hard to find something to eat. Local specialties include:

• Njeguški pršut (cured ham from the village of Njeguši)
• Kačamak (corn porridge with cheese and butter)
• Ćevapčići and pljeskavica (minced meat)
• Fish and seafood on the coast
• Vranac (red wine) and rakija (homemade brandy)

You can eat at a restaurant for 5-10€ per person, and even cheaper in konobas (local taverns).

FAQ